Work continues on ghost book

At this point, it’s no secret that the Sweetwater County Library has had some erie occurrences taking place inside its brick walls.

For the past several years, Micki Gilmore, a reference librarian at the library, has worked with other employees to produce a book about the history of the library some of the ghostly phenomenon that has occurred over the years.

While a rumor has spread suggesting the book project was abandoned, Gilmore said work continues. She estimates the book to be at about 75 percent of completion, with work now focusing on which photographs will be used in the book, along with going through the library’s Ghost Log for entries that could be published as well. Gilmore is also collecting consent forms from people interviewed for the book and said she needs them as soon as possible.

Along with stories from patrons and former employees about some of the experiences they’ve had, Gilmore said a history of the location will also be present throughout the book’s chapters, dating back to when the site was the city’s original cemetery to its current use as a library. Gilmore said the mix comes from her interest in both ghosts and genealogy, a topic she regularly discusses during the library system’s genealogy programs.

“We want to be very authentic,” Gilmore said about the information being presented in the book.

Gilmore said a tentative release period they’re aiming for is this December, though a firm release date still remains unestablished. One of the things that has held back publication of the book is that Gilmore and the other library system employees involved are working their regular duties along with producing their first book.

“I’ve never done this before. This is my maiden voyage,” Gilmore said. “Every spare minute, I’m working on the book.”

Gilmore said the length of the book will be about 200-250 pages and will be self published. Proceeds from the book sales will go to benefit the Sweetwater County Library Foundation. Gilmore said a second publication might be produced if the book is successful. In that hypothetical book, Gilmore said she would like to use the material they decided to cut while drafting the first book.